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Exam FAQ
\ Preparation
What to use to prepare
Obtain test prep materials

Should you prepare?
A.  

Yes, and how you prepare is also very important. A study done by LSAT indicates that "... (1) test takers who prepare in some way perform better than those who do not and (2) test takers who use multiple methods of preparation tend to perform better than those who use a single method." The study also indicates that for those who use only one method, working through one or more actual tests is the most effective method. As all three LSAT question types are included in the GRE and two of them in the GMAT, and verbal reasoning is in all admission tests, results of the LSAT test preparation survey can be generalized for other graduate and professional school tests.


What should I use to prepare?
A.  

The best (authentic) test preparation materials come from the test publishers themselves. Materials from other, commercial sources vary considerably in quality, may be inaccurate, and are very difficult for you to evaluate. Though many of you may not wish to give ETS or MCAT additional patronage, professional advisors suggest using their preparatory materials because they are significantly better in quality.


Where can I obtain test prep materials?
A.  

Test preparation materials are in the Cornell Career Services Library, 103 Barnes Hall, and can be used or copied there. The materials can also can be obtained from bookstores, online, or publishers for your use elsewhere, as detailed below. It is preferable to use test preparation materials from another test to practice than to use the less instructive commercial test prep books or a teacher who doesn't emphasize deductive and inductive thought processes, the methods of analysis and synthesis, that all the tests share. Cornell has tried to teach you to be resourceful, critical, and selective. This is an ideal time to apply that training.


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